Lightning Strike Sparks Two-Alarm Fire

Tewksbury Firefighters work to contain a fire at 21 Sandalwood Circle on Thursday. The fire was caused by a lightning strike during the storm. Photo by Rich MacDonald

The severe thunderstorm that rolled across the Merrimack Valley on Thursday did some damage, courtesy of wind gusts, heavy rain and lightning.

Most noticeably, a home on Sandalwood Circle sustained damage when a lightning strike started a fire on the second floor.

Firefighters responded to 21 Sandalwood Circle just before 6 p.m., after a 911 call from the owner of the home, reporting the lightning strike and the fire, according the TFD.

According to town records, the home is owned by Sandy and Robert King.

The caller told Dispatch that the lights flickered at the time of the lightning strike and smoke was seen coming from the living room ceiling a short time later.

According to the TFD spokesman, the two-alarm fire did damage to an upstairs bedroom and the living room of the home. In addition, firefighters had to tear a hole in the roof in order to attack the blaze.

The fire was knocked down in about a half hour. No injuries were reported.

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